Fall Footwear - YouLookFab Forum

I know...I'm sorry to discuss the other "F word"!

I'm working on my fall wardrobe list keeping in mind my new desire to keep purchases smart, overall wardrobe budget friendly, and maintain a less "explosive" (a.k.a. more minimal) closet.

So far I have purchased (via eBay) the EF waxed skinnies in charcoal and EF faux wrap front tapered trousers in black. I am hoping to add 1-2 knit dresses and 1-2 voluminous merino wool or cashmere pull overs. I will also be watching Danier Leather for the possibility of adding a cognac leather jacket to my leather jacket capsule. Everything I will be adding will mix and match with what I already have.

For footwear, I have a good selection of booties (red, blue suede, black patent, white-grey python), my ancient but still oh-so-comfy cognac riding style boots and my knee high Blondo boots. What I am looking to add is some type of comfortable shoes (not booties) and one pair of more rugged style black booties (since the black booties I have are the black patent sleek Ara ones).

This pair of Frye booties has caught my eye. Interesting details, shape and I like the double zippers. Frye fits me well and is very comfortable for my feet.

For shoes, I'm kind of smitten with these two Fly London options (pics 5-6 show an ankle strap pump and pics 7-8 show a cross strap show-boot hybrid). I've owned Fly London footwear before and oh man, they are sooooo comfortable! They tend to make a chunkier heel with a great footbed that results in less angling of the foot - perfect for my knee issue.

Would love your feedback on what you think of these styles for me and my new direction. Picture them with tights and dresses, with the waxed skinnies...

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11 years ago

Sara L.

Veteran

I like them all and think they will fit your needs. I especially like the blue shoes because the color is fun and sometimes blue shoes can be hard to find. They're probably not as versatile as the black ones though.

merwoman

hah the 'F' word indeed!
What happened to those gorgeous little booties from the bay - maybe they're on the dream list?
The Frye booties look beautiful, and incredibly well made. What gives me pause is the squared off toe. Probably more comfortable, but I'm more of a pointy or almond toe shape myself.

Susie

I agree with merwoman on the square toe. I understand that you want something a more casual yet I think something a bit more refined would be more versatile. Of the shoes, I think I prefer the second one. It looks like it would be soooo comfy.

Anonymous

That square toe is timeless! It gives the rugged vibe you are looking for, it's a feminine version of their harness boot.

Ingunn

(website)

I agree with Ceit! The square toe will add a casual, but classic edge to your outfits. I particularly like the blue shoes for you.

Thistle

I am not really sold on any of them. I really think you can do better. Something a bit more refined, streamlined yet still comfortbale. Sorry

Perhaps wait another month or so and see what offerings are we get closer to the season.

Don't take this the wrong way, but I think slowing down and not thinking about fall just yet will better serve your desire to move to a more minimal purchasing pattern. (Speaking from personal experience. It takes one to know one )

Transcona Shannon

Whooops - just to clarify, the last pair of Fly London shoes is black not blue. Just weird lighting I guess.

I do hear you about the square toe but I will say that having high volume, bordering on wide feet with bunions, pointy toes (and some almond toes) are not the most comfortable for me.

I agree Ceit and Ingunn that the square toe of the Frye boots is along the line of their classic Harness style. Timeless indeed. But more rugged for sure.

merwoman - the Bay booties were just a pipe dream. Not only because of the cost but realistically, they would not work for my feet. Too narrow, too pointy and too high a heel

Thistle - hmmmmm...good points to consider. Thanks.

Cross posted Mo! ( get what you're saying for sure. And I am trying not to get "wound up". On the other hand, part of the reason I'm looking at fall already is so I don't end up spending a bunch of money all at once come September. Our weather can turn cold all of sudden. Buying a couple of items now may work better for my budget. Plus a few of these items are on eBay (like the EF pants I've purchased) and I need to grab the goods while I can.

But I do take your point seriously and know I need to watch myself

Ah, okay, makes sense. I do out of, or just before season, buying as well to save some $$. I just know how the searching and focusing ahead of time can get you in the buying mode.

Mo - no two ways about it. If I get browsing, I get buying!

About two weekends ago, I went through all of my fall/winter stuff (so weird trying on wool sweaters with shorts when it's 90 degrees out!) and whittled down what I truly need vs. what I want. And then whittled it some more as to what would truly add value to my fall wardrobe and pack some punch, as it were, as well as work with what I already have and will be keeping. This resulted in my list. Then from there, I went on eBay to see if I could find any of these list items new with tags at a more affordable price to stretch the budget. But I did not allow myself to troll through eBay looking at anything other than what was specifically on my list. Waaaaaaaay too dangerous for a weak willed woman!

I truly appreciate your comments and helping me stay in line - that's a true friend

Suz

I am of two minds about these styles. I definitely see the need for a slightly more rugged bootie. But this feels more "boot" to me than "bootie," if you know what i mean. And I do worry about the heel height.

As for the Flys...I am biased because I quite like Fly shoes but they do not fit me.

Of those two, I prefer the second ones for you.

BUT....having said that...I think you should wait. If you want a minimal but current looking wardrobe, there is nothing but nothing that can update it better than the latest footwear. I would want to see what's coming out -- even just browsing the NAS -- not to buy, but to notice the style trends. That way you can adapt within your own comfort levels and budget levels but still with a view to what is really on trend. And that will give you greater bang for your buck and higher happiness factor overall.

missvee

Like Suz I'm thinking that the Frye heel height might not be ideal. As for the Flys I know how crazy comfortable they are ( being a happy wearer of the yellow Yalas) but I'm wondering how you'd style them. Do you think they'd work with your dresses?

Ahhhhhh....bless that YLF wisdom

Thistle, Mo, Suz and missvee have made excellent arguments and have convinced me to wait and see what the styles are like for fall. I will watch Angie's upcoming footwear recommendations from NAS and go from there.

Thank you all for both your enabling and your dis-enabling (is that even a word?) - lol!

catgirl

I am not in love with any of these. I had the Fly London cross strap pair (pre-YLF!) and found them an odd blend because of the heel. They have a more granola vibe than I expected. Sort of like the Naturalista brand. Cute but not what I see as your style. Wait for better!

http://www.elnaturalista.com/en/

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